podiatry

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.

Copyright The Columbia University Press

podiatry (pōdī´ətrē, pə–), science concerned with disorders, diseases, and deformities of the feet, also called chiropody. Podiatrists treat such common conditions as bunions, corns and calluses, and ingrown toenails. They may also perform minor surgery and prescribe medicines or orthopedic devices. In the United States a practitioner must hold a degree from an accredited college of podiatry and pass a licensing examination; some states require a period of internship as well. Training is similar in most respects to that of medical students with the exception that it is largely limited to a single area of the body. The National Association of Chiropodists was founded in 1912. In 1958 its name was changed to the American Podiatry Association. It maintains local societies and licensing boards in each of the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.

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podiatry

podiatry (chiropody) (pŏ-dee-ă-tri) n. the study and care of the foot, including its normal structure, its diseases, and their treatment. The main role of a podiatrist (chiropodist) is to assess, diagnose, and treat abnormalities and diseases of the foot and to give advice on proper care of the foot and the prevention of foot problems.http://www.feetforlife.org Website of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists

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